Indian Arts Festival Thursday, October 26 until Sunday, October 29 Merlin Theatre, Frome.

The Merlin hosts its first ever Indian Arts Festival next week. The four-day festival of films, books, music, food, dance and workshops has been co-curated with Merlin Affiliated Artists: Mayuri Boonham and Subathra Subramaniam of Angika Dance, who will also be running workshops in local schools in the time running up to the festival.

On Thursday, October 26, the theatre is showing Pather Panchali - Song of the Little Road (U). This family saga set in a remote village in Bengal, is a landmark of world cinema.

On Friday, October 27, Desi Dance Club creates a party atmosphere with bhangra, global dance tunes and desi beats from the decks with live Dhol Drumming. With live VJ ing, henna artist and food. The evening will feature a short dance created during the Bharata Natyam dance workshop. For children aged 12+ At 11am on Saturday, October 28, Same, Same But Different Theatre presents An Epic Indian Adventure - interactive storytelling with traditional Rajasthani puppets. For ages four-seven.

Sunday, October 29, sees Film, Chai and Tiffin. At 2pm, the first colour Bollywood movie, Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (U) will be screened at 2pm.

At 4pm, it's time for Tiffin: Chai (tea) and exquisite Indian sweets, while the 2001 film Monsoon Wedding (15) will be shown at 5pm.